Maximize Cooling By Keeping Your Air Conditioner Working Properly

Maximize Cooling By Keeping Your Air Conditioner Working Properly

Winter has finally moved on, and the weather is warming up. The air is warm and inviting in the spring. Come summer it gets extremely hot in the Okanagan Valley. In many areas air conditioning is one of the main ways to get the much needed relief from the searing heat. To keep your air conditioning unit working properly and to maximize their cooling effects, you need to maintain them. Here are a few suggestions on how to do so:

Filters

Start by checking the air conditioners filters. Replace any of the dirty and clogged filters with new ones, as a clean filter will reduce energy consumption by 5%-15%.

Coils

Evaporators and condenser coils collect dirt over the months and years. Often a clean filter will prevent the dirt from getting into the evaporators and condenser coils. Over time there will be some accumulation of dirt and debris to have removed. Dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil reducing its ability to absorb heat.

Make sure to check the coils every year and clean them to increase efficiency in airflow. If you notice the aluminum fills on the coils are bent and is blocking air flow, Vision Mechanical Ltd. can help fix the issue and ensure your air conditioner is in great working condition for the summer.

Condensate Drains

Clogged up drain channels accumulate dirt and debris over time. Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. The issue with clogged drain channels is they prevent a unit from reducing humidity resulting in excess moisture. The condensation may also discolour walls or carpet. This job is best left to the professionals, ensuring it is done correctly and without damage to the air conditioning unit.

Window Seals

Properly sealed windows are very important to ensure cool air stays inside. Before the hot weather arrives, make sure to inspect the seal between the air conditioning unit and the window frame is connected properly with the metal case. Frequently check the window seal is intact so your air conditioner is working properly and cool air is not escaping.

Over Winter

Over winter, cover your room air conditioner or remove it from the window to store it till next summer. For the outdoor air condition units, covering them during the winter season will protect them from extreme cold, snow, and debris. This will help ensure their working condition come summer, reducing the chances of having to replace your existing air conditioner.

Technician Checklist:

At some point you may encounter an issue requiring the care of a professional. Instead of tackling any of the items listed on this checklist it is advisable to have a professional take care of it for you. Vision Mechanical Ltd. can check all the items listed below to make sure your air conditioner is in perfect working condition to fight the summer heat. A professional technician checklist includes;

Check for correct amount of refrigerant

Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector

Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere

Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems

Measure airflow through the evaporator coil

Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously